Bayview Coffee Shop: Filipino Fiesta Buffet

Despite the heavy rains, our pursuit for Filipino food didn't end at C2 Classic Cuisine. As part of Kulinarya Kalayaan, Bayview Park Hotel Manila also cooked up a hearty Pinoy feast at their lobby Coffee Shop to showcase the Philippine's one-of-a-kind gustatory creations and eye-catching pieces of arts and crafts.

The Pinoy fiesta at Bayview Park Hotel Manila is not just one, but two month-long. From May 24 to July 31, guests and diners can enjoy a buffet of delectable Filipino dishes for only P450. Luckily for us, our senses experienced even more as we got the chance to watch Chef Gilbert Soriano cook up some of the food items included in the all-Pinoy array of culinary delights.

The very friendly and ever-smiling chef gave an interesting demonstration of how they prepare Chicken Ala King, Chicken Adobo and Grilled Squid, all of which were plated beautifully and very enticingly. And even as a noob in the kitchen, I already got the ingredients and steps down. So just wait for my upcoming attempt!

After the short but very informative cooking demonstration, it was time to finally try the food for ourselves. Although Bayview Park Hotel Manila is known for its budget-friendly accommodations, this 75-year old hospitality wonder had really planned their Kulinarya Kalayaan showcase well. Even from afar, we were already delighted to see how fiesta-like the coffee shop was with all the native decors and banderitas (fiesta banners).

The Selection

Bayview Park Hotel Manila's selection of Pinoy goodness was not as extensive as most of the buffets I've been to, but it was no-nonsense either as they really laid down an all-Pinoy spread in celebration of our independence month.

Tinolang Maya-Maya (Red Snapper Soup)

Ensaladang Pipino (Cucumber Salad)

Steamed Local Vegetables with Bagoong (Fish Paste)

Chicken Ala King

Inihaw na Pusit (Grilled Squid)

Pancit Miki (Stir-Fried Egg Noodles with Seafood and Vegetables)

Maja Blanca and Buchi (Coconut Cake and Rice Cake)

Leche Flan

Okay, there are probably a few items which are not originally from the Philippines. But Chef Gilbert Soriano reasoned that items such as Chicken Ala King and even Buchi have already been adapted by the Filipino palates, thus have already been treated as our own.

What I Got

Since we ate at Bayview Park Hotel Manila for brunch, I got a small portion each of almost every food item on the buffet table to make up one hearty meal.

I had some salty yet refreshing sliced eggplant and tomatoes with bagoong, tasty pieces of Grilled Squid, and a serving-spoonful Pancit Miki and Chicken ala King. Among all these, I found myself drawn to the veggies and chicken items. Although I wanted to like the noodles, I found it too salty for my palate.

To accompany our meal, we had a thirst-quenching blend of Sago't Gulaman which had just the right amount of sweetness I was looking for. We also had a serving of yummy Halo-Halo with generous amount of kidney beans, kaong (sugar palm fruit), garbanzos, langka (jack fruit), ube (purple yam), gulaman, nata de coco, leche flan and pinipig (rice crispies).

THE VERDICT

Bayview Park Hotel Manila may not be one of the more lavishly-decorated wonders in the hospitality industry, but this budget-friendly destination sure knows how to throw a good fiesta. The selection of Pinoy dishes in its lunch buffet may be short of extensive, but the flavors are sure to satisfy one's palate and tummy. Service is also impeccable, exuding true Pinoy hospitality.

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Pinas here I come! My flight is just a week away. What a mouth-watering show once again; always a delight to see your food post (I am tortured every time I'm viewing your food photos :) and I don't care about extra weight this time)